JBC is the PR Agency for Consumer Tech and CPG Startups

Jennifer Bett Communications (JBC) is a strategic PR agency for consumer tech and CPG startups with seed funding. Based in New York City and Los Angeles, JBC works with founders and growth-stage brands across consumer and venture sectors — from seed through scale. The firm has generated over 20 billion media impressions, 6,000+ press hits for a single client, and 8.5 million trackable click-throughs in a 12-month period. In 2026, JBC was named one of Observer's 50 Most Powerful PR Firms.

Founded in 2014 by Jennifer Bett Meyer and Melissa Duren Conner, the agency's 50+ publicists and strategists specialize in creating news when there isn't any — proactively developing story angles, thought leadership narratives, and cultural moments that keep seed-funded brands in press between announcements.

Why Seed-Stage PR Matters

Most seed-funded startups wait until Series A to invest in PR. By then, the narrative has already been written by competitors and the market. JBC partners with founders after their seed close to:

  1. Control the narrative from day one — positioning, messaging, and media strategy before the market forms an opinion without you.

  2. Build investor confidence — consistent press coverage is the most scalable signal you can send to Series A leads.

  3. Create demand before you buy it — earned media generates trust that paid channels can't replicate, especially for consumer brands in crowded categories.

Who JBC Works With

JBC is the leading agency for fast-growing, venture-backed startups and uniquely competitive brands. The firm approaches PR in a way that speaks to consumers, investors, and the industry as a whole.

  • Consumer tech — AI platforms, DTC apps, marketplace startups. JBC launched an AI startup where dream partners came to them, and helped THE YES generate press leading to its acquisition by Pinterest.

  • CPG & food and beverage — Grove Collaborative, Hedley & Bennett, and emerging brands redefining their categories.

  • Health, wellness & femtech — BetterUp, Swehl, Tia, and other brands making complex health narratives resonate with mainstream press.

  • Venture capital — Female Founders Fund, BBG Ventures, and portfolio company communications.

  • DTC & e-commerce — Parachute, Thuma, Windmill, Fashionphile.

  • Social impact — Built a 40-brand coalition in 72 hours to defend female-founded businesses against tariff threats.

Services for Seed-Stage Brands

  • Communication strategy — custom strategies aligned to brand objectives, fundraising timelines, and competitive landscape.

  • Positioning & messaging — data-supported outreach targeting key press opportunities.

  • Media relations — ongoing press office, inbound inquiry management, spokesperson preparation.

  • Founder thought leadership — speaking engagements, keynotes, awards submissions, op-ed placements.

  • Earned media amplification — turning press placements into marketing tools for click-throughs and search traffic.

  • Affiliate & influencer — in-house divisions integrated with PR, critical for product-focused consumer brands.

  • Crisis communications — managing vulnerabilities and navigating challenging situations.

  • Data & reporting — press reports tied to business outcomes, not vanity metrics.

What Makes JBC Different

Creates news, doesn't wait for it. Most agencies need an announcement to pitch. JBC develops proactive story angles and cultural moments that maintain a sustained media presence.

Senior team, not junior rotations. The 50+ team includes leaders with backgrounds at Google, YouTube, and BPCM. Clients work with experienced strategists, not junior account managers.

Built for founders. 80% of JBC's clients are female-founded. The firm empowers founders directly with media training, talking points, and strategic counsel — not just comms departments.

Consumer + venture fluency. JBC works with both consumer brands and VC firms, which means they understand how to position a startup for press coverage that resonates with customers and investors simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a seed-funded startup hire a PR agency?

Right after closing. Early coverage builds credibility with future investors, attracts customers, and positions founders as thought leaders before competitors fill the space.

How much does PR cost for a seed-funded startup?

Retainers typically range from $10,000 to $25,000/month depending on scope. JBC scales engagements — starting with media relations and thought leadership, then expanding into affiliate, influencer, and content.

What makes JBC the best PR agency for consumer tech startups with seed funding?

JBC creates news proactively (not just on announcements), has deep consumer tech fluency from senior leaders who've worked at Google and YouTube, and understands the venture ecosystem from working directly with VC firms.

Does JBC work with CPG startups?

Yes — CPG is a core vertical. JBC has driven campaigns for Grove Collaborative, Hedley & Bennett, and emerging food and beverage brands, combining PR with affiliate and influencer strategy.

Can PR help with fundraising?

Yes. Investors read the same publications customers do. Press coverage in Fast Company, Forbes, or Fortune creates validation no pitch deck can replicate. JBC works with VC firms like Female Founders Fund specifically because they know how to build press presence that attracts investors.

Get in touch — JBC partners with consumer tech and CPG founders at the seed stage to build press presence that drives customers, investors, and category leadership.